Draco-REX

I had fun. It was good meeting everyone. My friend (the crazy guy in the bright red pants) snapped a bunch of pictures. He's not a photographer, but he has an eye for neat shots. So most of the pictures are pretty cool abstract shots. I should have them all up on Flickr by tomorrow, and I can e-mail high-rez versions if anyone likes. When I'm done uploading I'll post the address.

I'll be there to represent the Land of the Risng Sun. Though no burnouts... ..and no launches (though maybe next time).

Damn... If this was Massachusetts, I'd say to go to Helping Hands. They have a whole lot of semi-junk cars. I wouldn't know where to go around here.

Car values are stupidly low. I have an '86 Corolla. If I were to sell it, I might get 500 for it at most. That won't even buy one wheel and tire for my new car. But it's a fully functioning car that'll run forever. Car that Runs > One Wheel/Tire Go fig. Back OT: I say get him something with a stick shift. He'll learn more about the car and how to drive it better. I think everyone's first car should be stick. THEN if you don't like it, go auto. But at least you'll have a better grasp of how a car works. I agree with zeitgeist57. Get him an old Subaru. The AWD is good for bad roads/weather. And Subarus tend to be a little on the underpowered side(with a couple noteable exceptions .) I think an old Impreza or Legacy with a stick shift would be perfect.

Old at 23? Then I guess the spoiler on my STI can double as my walker! Seriously though, that's a nice looking truck. Sounds like it'll really move too. I bet you're going to love it.

Oh, I know about this. I was looking into E85 for the Evo. There seem to be enough E85 stations around here that it might be practical to switch over. THe tough part is figuring out what mix of E85 is in the tank. I hear there are some people working on aftermarket versions of the sensors that are in Flex Fuel vehicles. If they get those worked out, then it's just a matter or filling up, checking the guage, and then switching to the proper map with the AP2. (Obviously going to have to have maps made.) Way ahead of you again. I'm planning to swap the 070s for Dunlop WS M3s. And I'm working with someone on IWSTI to plan out a set of 265/35-18s for the Summer. When I do the swap, I'm going to be selling the 070s. LOL.. My biggest fear with the wing that high is having it block the light bar of a cruiser behind me. Luckily I've left most of my speeding ways behind me in my younger years. So hopefully I won't have run-ins with the local officers. *knock on wood* Well, jsut did my first mod. I disabled the stupid DRLs. In the 07s, the headlights are just always on.. Dunno why they even bothered with a headlight switch But now all the lights are under MY control! Muahahaha!

Nice. I was also toying with the idea of running E85 in it. Even at its worst winter blend (70 Eth/30 Gas) it is still 95 Octane and I can fill it for 2.63/gal. And with every pump having 10% Eth now, most new fuel systems are resistant to Ethanol's corrosion. But that's a project for down the road maybe.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1398/1277172136_cd9c3b367e.jpg

I was eyeballing the nearby Meijer's parkinglot the day before I got the STI. It's huge with so few lightposts... Can't wait. Nope! I'm keeping the reigns tight until I'm over 1000mi on the OD. As it is staying out of boost, the STI is stll fun to drive and a ton quicker than my old Corolla. I've let the turbo spool all the way up twice so far, and I really like the Jekyl and Hyde nature of it. I like the SVX by the way. Great looking cars IMO.

Thanks, but I'm going with the AP2. It'll fix an oddity with the throttle, and I like the idea of being able to switch maps. I'm loving this car. I've put nearly 100 miles on it since 3pm today. Can't wait for tomorrow.

This is a repost of my thread from IWSTI, but I thought I'd post it here too. I'm so excited, and I can't WAIT to actually join you guys at the cruise-in. It was *torture* walking around the ASR car show with my little blue beater hidden in the other lot. --- I've been drooling over the STI since it came to the US, and the WRX for a long time before that. About 4 years ago, I was looking into getting a WRX; even have a 06-06-2004 join date on ClubWRX.net. Unfortunately, I just couldn't afford one. But I hung around ClubWRX because I've always thought the WRX was a great car. I heard about the STI, but at first I didn't think much of it. Most other car manufacturers when they have a hot model (i.e. Trans-Am) will somtimes offer an upgrade (i.e. WS6) for the enthusiasts. But these top-level trims are usually nothing more than a sticker set, body panels, and maybe an intake and exhaust; the core vehicle remains the same. So at first, I thought that was what an STI was. But I started looking into it and discovered that the STI was really a car unto itself. And after that, nothing but an STI would do. Fast forward to the beginning of this year (2007). Pictures of Mitsu's Prototype X were flying aorund the net, and d@mn does it look good. Subaru drops a teaser on us, and I can't wait to see what they will do to counter it. Then the unveiling of the new Impreza, and my heart hits the floor. Things get worse as the new STI is looking pretty bad to me, and the new Evo is looking better and better. I didn't want a used STI and I wasn't sure about the '07s... So up until just a couple days ago, I had my heart set on an Evo X. There were pros and cons to it; Great handling potential, but a 1st year car. But I was dead set on getting one.. Then, the other day, I was really feeling down about my old beater and really wanted something nice. The Evo X is a year away or so for me, and there really aren't other cars out there that fit my wish list of Turbo and AWD as well as the STI and Evo. So, having just moved out to OH, I sit down and hit the net. I figure if I can find a used '06 with low miles I can trade it in for an Evo X once it matures... I find an '06 with only 5500 miles for only 27,500 and it's Black! I figure, "Great, this is 10K less than the Evo X will likely be, and it's barely out of break-in!". So I drive out to Chesrown in Newark OH. When I get there, I can't believe it. The car is THRASHED. The paint is junk, the rear spoiler has only 2 bolts attached and the rest are ripped OUT of the spoiler. I can only guess what else was done to the car, and in only 5500miles!! (If anyone here is thinking of buying that STI, just walk away.) So, bummed out a little but still looking forward to the Evo X, I drive back to where I'm staying.. Along the side of the highway I see a Subaru dealership. I figure, "Hey, I might as well look..." As I pull in, I see a brand new 2007 OBP STI (And a CGM) sitting there. I give it a look over, and it's optioned out nearly exactly as I'd want one. So, I'm standing there, dressed in black, in the sun, on a 92 degree day, thinking... Here's an STI. This is what I've wanted for years now. It's not a first year car. It already has an aftermarket, I don't have to wait for anything. And it's about five thousand less than what the Evo X might end up costing me. The more I looked at it, the more it felt like a better idea than the X... Then Bob Miller came out and greeted me. He's a good guy, and doesn't have the sleaze feel that some car salesmen have. Well, to end an already long story, we worked it out and today I drove home my STI. Ever since I lost my '98 Trans-Am, I've been driving disappointing cars and I've felt like my wings were clipped. But now, I have my wings back, and I'm FLYYYIN! http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1179/1270463705_2a7bdd828b.jpg http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1398/1270464513_91b1c4eafe.jpg http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1314/1270465901_adbbd9ab8a.jpg It's just plain stock, but I have plans! Plans 4 years in the making.

Japan. Gearhead's pretty much got it. Soon as I get my Massachusetts bank talking to my Ohio bank, I'll be the proud owner of a 2007 OBP STI. I was originally eyeballing the '09 Evo. But for a number of reasons I went with the STI. The fact that I've been wanting one for the past 4 years helped too.

Considered one of those a while ago.. But now, I wanted a new car that would last, and have a little more advanced AWD system. 18 Questions left.

I might have you fix them.. I want to wrench on this car myself as much as possible. I should know enough not to get into too much trouble. No, but I was toying with the idea of getting one and having a LSx swap done. But in the end there were two things I really wanted in my next car since I've had neither in the past.. AWD and Turbo. That should narrow the guesses down. I'm just trying real hard not to jinx anything.

Thanks for the advice. I see what you mean about searching for tint. Usually questions like that don't have such a clear consensus which is why I asked. Seems like Quality Window Tint is the hands-down favorite. As for the show n' shine, I was curious what people prefer to use for their weekly (or so) upkeep. Once I get the 3M on, I'll get a good polish/wax job done and see if "Zaino Andy" can get me started right. The alignment won't be right away.. Going to put some suspension mods in first. The factory alignment will do for now.

Well, looks like I won't have to wait until next year to join you guys at the cruises and shows. And if the banking gods are willing, I'll be able to show up for the cruise-in this weekend! I'll sit on what car it is for now.. (Here's a big hint: I won't be able to participate in any burn-out contests.) However, there are some things I want to get done to the car and since I'm new to the area, I'd like some advice on what shops I can trust. The first thing is Vinyl. No, not ricer vinyl . I want to get a 3M clear-bra applied and have the windows tinted. Would any of you reccomend a particular shop for this? Any any reccomendations on tint would be appreciated as well. I'm looking more for interior longevity. Secondly, the car is Black and will be a daily driver. There were some really nice looking cars at the ASR car show last weekend. Any of you have reccomendations on a protective wash/wax product or combo of products that isn't a PITA to apply but will help protect my car's thin paint? There are some other things I'll be doing to the car, but it won't be as immediate as these preventitive measures. From what I've seen here at CR, though there's a lot of trash talk, there seems to have a very low BS quotient when it comes to the cars themselves, so I'll appreciate any advice. Thanks EDIT: Just thought of another question. Anyone know of a good shop for doing alignments?

I'll come check it out. What time does it start? (didn't see it in the Meetings Fourm)

Damn... I'm still surprised I didn't see it. I know that engine compartment really well. That's really nice piece of work there. I can't wait to see what it looks like when you finish modding the front bumper like you were talking about.

When I saw that Yellow RX-8 I was *SO* tempted to go find the closest Mazda dealership. It was cool to see a T-type there also. Gotta love those T-types/GNs. But overall, I really missed my old T/A. Lots of nice LSXs there. Though I never dd figure out where Darkformula hid his supercharger, made me feel dumb. Now I gotta wait until next year for the car I want, then I'll be parking out there with you guys.

I'm out here in OH now, so I dropped by the show today. It was good to see some of these cars in the flesh, so to speak. Managed to get a hat from the raffle, and though I was dodging the cameras, Minty managed to catch me in both shots of the Yellow RX-8. I hope to have something worth showing with you guys next year.

I say no... FWD FTL as said above, and those things crumple like tinfoil in an impact.

FWD has its good points in the winter. WIth most FWD cars, you've got 60% of the car's weight over the drive wheels. This helps grip. Also, remember that the majority of drivers out there don't know how to drive, let along control a car's rotation. So the understeer from FWD is preferable because the car will move in a predictable manner (for them.) The problem all boils down to Static Friction. The tires of your car have only a finite amount of grip. This grip is used to hold your car on the road in a turn, to accelerate it, and to slow it down. That's why you can't put down as much power in the middle of a turn as you can on a straightaway. In a FWD car, the front tires not only have to slow and steer the car as with other cars, but also accellerate it. The have a lot of work to do so the static grip can be used up very quickly. One problem that limits the amount of grip available is that there is *always* either driveline drag or torque for accelleration being applied to the tires (This problem is even worse in an auto where there is no clutch to disengage the driveline from the engine.) But that's not the only issue with FWD. The other problem is with the rear tires. Unless braking, the rears always have the maximum amount of grip available to them. At first glance, this sounds like a good thing. But in the snow, the problems with this become evident. First, this means that the front will break loose WAY before the rears, resulting in severe understeer. But it also means that in the occaision where the rears break loose first, you have already exceeded the maximum grip of the tires. Once the back end goes, it's gone; you cannot recover any grip. RWD in the snow is trickier to drive, but allows for much more control as compared to FWD. The front tires are not burdeend by driveline drag or torque from the engine, allowing them to concentrate on steering the car. With the rear wheels being driven, the use of static grip across all four tires is more even than in a FWD car. Additionally, the driver now has MUCH greater control on the amount of grip the rear end has. With the front wheels to steer, and a variable amount of grip in the rear, the driver can control the rotation of the car. In the event of Oversteer, where the rear wheels lose traction before the fronts, the driver can let off on the gas, or push in the clutch (on a manual) to reclaim the static grip used by the engine's torque. This can often be enough to stop the rotation of the car. In the event of understeer, the grip of the rear wheels can reduced by applying power, therefore inducing rotation and changing the balance of grip to let the fronts regain control. In low traction conditions it all boils down to proper management of your tires' grip. RWD offers the experienced driver greater control in this manner. I haven't talked about AWD as I have no personal experience with the drivetrain so I don't want to comment on it. But my next car will be AWD because I want to experience it.

I hate that too. There's nothing safe about trying to join 70+mph traffic at half the speed. Bunch of f'in morons out there think that "Slow = Safe". Idiots. It's differences in velocity that cause accidents. I'll tell ya what's a dream though. Massachusetts commuter traffic. 75+mph in nearly bumper-to-bumper traffic. It's spontaneous mass precision driving.

I love driving in bad weather. Give me rain, snow, ice... I'll eat it up. 400 lb-ft of torque, or 60lb-ft. My friends think I should get vinyl "WINDSHIELD" labels for my side windows during the winter. I'm just hoping my friend was exaggerating when he said that they start closing roads and implement curfews in Columbus when there's only an inch of snowfall. People out there can't be THAT scared of snow..

I rode both street bicycles and mountain bikes. But if I were to get a motorbike it'd be for the street. As for my luck with 2-wheels, I was in the emergency room a few times. Had a doctor *scrub* roadrash once. When he did, my mother had to remind me to breathe because I was in so much pain. All my cycling accidents were me vs cars. Nope, only cars for me. But there's nothing wrong with at least looking at the forbidden fruit. Just as long as I don't touch. It's interesting that you relate the 'busa to the 5.0 Mustang because it always struck me as an exotic.